More than 200 light sources in a modern automobile

As the volume of traffic continues to grow, we enable convenient and safe travel

OSRAM is the world's No. 1 in the automotive sector. Digitalization opens up new opportunities in the field of smart lighting solutions. In order to make the best possible use of these opportunities, we are constantly expanding our competencies through strategic partnerships and acquisitions, such as the OSRAM Continental joint venture with Continental AG or the investment in LeddarTech, a specialist for LiDAR orientation systems for autonomous driving.

Our products are still highly innovative headlights, but also numerous components for self-propelled cars. LED, laser and matrix light, sensors for automated driving are transforming the applications of light in the automotive sector at an increasing pace. With numerous applications of visible and invisible light, we are at the forefront of innovation for our various OEM customers, but also for the trade and not least for end users.

Integration of light, sensors and electronics

Joint Venture OSRAM Continental

The transition from classic lighting solutions to semiconductor-based technologies and the increasing importance of software and electronics are having a profound impact on the automotive industry. The transition is also affecting lighting business within the sector. As in the case of general lighting, the market is moving toward semiconductor-based lighting solutions.

In the near future, the subject of light and lighting will receive a massive boost from electronics, and is one of the most exciting growth areas. With Continental we have therefore founded a joint venture for smart lighting solutions in the automotive sector. By combining our expertise, we can create even greater added value; but above all we are more agile because we can develop the appropriate intelligence at the same time as we are developing new lighting modules.

The housings, complete optical systems and headlamp design are not our fields of activity. OSRAM Continental will therefore not be supplying headlamps for OEMs. The lighting solutions offered by OSRAM Continental will consist of LEDs, the connectivity system, the heat removal concept, the primary optics and obviously the control electronics. The electronics of such a complete solution could, for example, access camera data from the internal bus and use it to control a matrix light. The headlamp manufacturers then put the various functional subsystems together to create a complete headlamp but no longer have to worry about the control system because that is taken care of by OSRAM Continental.

"Our special setup has made us the global number one for automotive lighting."

More innovative developments in car lighting

Game-changing components for automotive applications

OSRAM Opto Semiconductors offers a spectrum of infinite possibilities of high-quality products in the field of illumination, visualization and sensor technology. Our extensive technological know-how and our passion for innovation make us a global leader in the field of optical semiconductors.

OSRAM Opto Semiconductors’ answers for automotive lighting applications are the result of unceasing research, meticulous engineering, and our passion for perfection. Our focus is always on enabling our customers to achieve their goals.

LiDAR plays a key role in advanced driver-assistance systems

The latest automotive technology using invisible light, LiDAR (light detection and ranging), plays a key role in advanced driver-assistance systems, which are increasingly enabling semi-autonomous to fully autonomous driving capabilities.

LiDAR systems generate laser pulses that hit objects and reflect light back onto a detector. The time of travel of the laser beam establishes the distance to the object. OSRAM’s multi-channel laser light source enables vehicles to generate an accurate, three-dimensional image of their surroundings and use this information to initiate the appropriate driving maneuvers. An accurate evaluation of the vehicle’s surroundings is crucial for safe autonomous driving.

Laserlight Headlights

Headlights using laser technology are the next stage in automotive lighting. Due to the high luminance of the laser, which is about five times higher than the best of other light sources available today, these headlights double the best high beam range previously available, from 300 to 600 meters (2,000 feet).

OSRAM’s energy-efficient laser lighting, which includes some of the smallest technology components available, found its way into serial car production with the BMW i8 and the BMW 7 series as boosters added to the high beam. This provides better visibility for the driver and thus greater road safety.

Night Breaker - the next generation of OSRAM's successful carlight

Performance lamps represent power, luminous intensity, maximum light output, as well as high-end technologies. Automotive performance lamps from OSRAM set new standards for automotive lighting with their increased visibility. From xenon and halogen technologies and several product lines, you can select the right lamp to suit your personal requirements.

Improved down-road visibility and clarity for the drivers increases safety for all on the road

“OSRAM’s car lighting technologies are designed to offer drivers smart and stylish design options, but most importantly, to significantly enhance road safety.”

Dr. Olaf Berlien, CEO OSRAM Licht AG

“A modern car comprises about 200 light sources. Some of them are using invisible light – for example, in systems for smart surroundings analysis and for proximity detection as well as for driver monitoring.”

Dr. Stefan Kampmann, CTO OSRAM Licht AG

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Contacts

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